Sunday, August 13, 2006

Back home at last























After nearly 20 hours of travel we finally made it back home around 6:30. The connection through Toronto was frustrating given the recent terror events and the increased vigilance of security (they confiscated our contact lens solution, toothpaste and deodorant - the latter itself would make daddy qualify as a "dangerous weapon" :).

We were greeted at the airport by Grandma and Opa, Grammy and Grand-papa, Papi & Didi and Nana, and cousin Katie who was staying at Grandma and Opa's for the last few days. What a great treat to see all of the family at our arrival!

After what seemed like an interminable wait for our luggage, we all headed back to our house, where we had another surprise - welcome signs, decorations and flowers throughout the house - Thanks Alana, Heather and Aaron and Grandma, Opa and Katie. We ordered pizza and family stayed for a little bit while Sophie entertained everyone in the jolly jumper - she loves it already.

We fell into our beds around 10 pm, and managed to get a couple hours of sleep before Sophie woke us for the first time (at midnight) and then again at 2 am - poor kid. At about 4 am Stephanie was up for the day - as was dad, while Mommy and Sophie slept in (Sophie until 11 am). It was a quiet day as we were pretty zonked. Did some errands and banking and bought a new 3 in 1 car seat as the current model we have is older and does not fit Sophie well. We got out for a brief walk in the stroller and showed Sophie off to a few people in the neighborhood. After that, it was more unpacking and laundry - ugh!!!

Well, we can't believe that this part of our incredible journey has come to an end. Once again, we thank all of our family and friends for their incredible support and good wishes and a very special thanks goes to Children's Bridge and their wonderful staff (both in Canada and in China). We can't imagine doing this trip and completing all of the paperwork for the adoption process without their invaluable assistance and we look forward to continuing our involvement with Children's Bridge through the many workshops, playgroups and social events they offer.

Finally, to Sophie, we love you and feel very fortunate that you have become part of our family.


Love, Chris, Caroline, Stephanie and Sophie.

P.S.

We'll try and post update blogs on a regular basis (although likely not as frequently as before). We'll also try to post some tips/tricks we learned while in China for those that might be interested.

We have a number of medications (Nix cream, gastrolyte powder etc..)which we did not use in China that we would be happy to give to any local CB families travelling to China in the near future. If interested, please let us know through the comment section. Posted by Picasa